Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva understands new role

Brazilian Lucas Leiva has discussed his new role in the Liverpool team and admitted he understands why he has been forced to readjust to a different position.

Steven Gerrard has played in Lucas Leiva’s usual defensive midfield role this season and been nothing short of a revelation.

When the Brazilian returned from injury in January, he revealed what the Reds manager Brendan Rodgers told him.

Lucas Leiva told the Daily Star: "I sat down in January with the manager, where he explained that he wanted to use Stevie as a holding player and me on the side of the three midfielders or the diamond.

“I had to readjust. It's something I feel comfortable with.

"Of course, as much as you play you feel even more comfortable. You know you can help more. Football is like that.

Although Gerrard made a fatal error against Chelsea last weekend, the Brazilian international believes there is no point trying to oust the Liverpool captain.

Instead Lucas Leiva aims to find a way of playing alongst Gerrard and helping him again.

He added: "The team is doing so well and it is difficult for the manager to change things. You understand that. "

"I know Stevie is playing in my position and doing very, very well.

"So that's why I'm working hard and maybe looking - not towards another position - but maybe another way I can help, and still play beside Stevie. Because I know him being in the team in that position, my chances will be limited."